Luke 5:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 5:14
14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Chapter Context
Luke 5 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, creation, righteousness. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 5:14
14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
Analysis
He charged him tell no man but go show thyself to priest and offer for cleansing as Moses commanded for testimony. Charged paraggeilem strongly ordered. Tell no man mēdeni eipēs speak to no one. But alla contrast. Go poreuthe ios departure. Show deix on display exhibit. Thyself seauton personal appearance. To priest tō hierei official examiner. And kai continuation. Offer prosenegke bring sacrifice. For cleansing peri tou katharismou concerning purification. As Moses commanded kathōs prosetaxen Mōusēs. For testimony eis martyrion unto them as witness proof. Jesus respects Mosaic law. Priest role to certify not heal. Offering required by Leviticus 14. Jesus healing fulfills law does not abolish. Testimony demonstrates Jesus does not oppose law but fulfills. Reformed theology emphasizes continuity between testaments. Christ does not destroy law but completes fulfills perfectly obeys. Ceremonial law finds fulfillment in Christ.
Historical Context
Leviticus 14:1-32 prescribes ritual for healed leper. Priest examines outside camp. If clean offers complex sacrifices. Process took 8 days. Jesus sending man shows respect for God ordained structures. Tell no man because widespread messianic fervor would hinder ministry. Jesus controlled disclosure of identity. Messianic secret theme in Mark paralleled in Luke. Premature revelation would cause misunderstanding political expectations. Religious leaders needed evidence Jesus respected Torah. Testimony eis martyrion could be for or against them. If they rejected evidence of legitimate healing respecting law it testified against them. Early church had to demonstrate continuity with Old Testament. Jewish Christians continued temple worship initially. Ceremonial law fulfilled in Christ but moral law continues.
Reflection
- Why did Jesus command silence yet send man to priest as testimony what does this reveal about wisdom in ministry?
- How does Jesus respecting Mosaic law while healing supernaturally demonstrate He fulfills law rather than destroying it?
Word Studies
- Priest: ἱερεύς (Hiereus) G2409 - Priest
Cross-References
- Witness: Matthew 8:4
- Sin: Leviticus 13:2, Mark 1:44
- Parallel theme: Luke 17:14, Matthew 9:30, 12:16